October 02, 2009

Tight end Desmond Clark has recovered from a cracked rib and is ready to go Sunday against the Lions.

"You always put to try to get back as soon as possible," said Clark, who is expected to be listed as probable.. "But you also learn not to take anything for granted. ... I think I'm pretty well healed up."

Linebackers Hunter Hillenmeyer (rib) and Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) are out for Sunday's game. Defensive player of the week Lance Briggs had full participation Friday off a foot injury and is expected to be listed as questionable but expects to play. Defensive linemen Israel Idonije (knee) and Alex Brown (ankle) are expected to be questionable but are likely to play.

Running back Matt Forte (knee), nose tackle Anthony Adams (knee) and long snapper Patrick Mannelly (forearm) are expected to be listed as probable.

August 26, 2009

According to ChicagoBears.com, Bears nose tackle Dusty Dvoracek will undergo athroscopic surgery on his right knee Friday to determine the severity of the injury.

Coach Lovie Smith called Dvoracek's injury an MCL sprain, and Dvoracek disputed a report that he was out for the season with an ACL tear.

If Dvoracek's injury is just an MCL sprain, he could be back on the field this season.But earning a spot on the Bears' 53-man roster will be a tall task considering his injury history. When healthy, he's shown the ability to be a disruptive force. And no one has ever questioned Dvoracek's work ethic. But he was third in line at nose tackle behind Anthony Adams and Marcus Harrison before suffering the injury.

Dvoracek got hurt in last Saturday's exhibition against the New York Giants. This could be the fourth-consecutive season-ending injury of his four-year career.

August 15, 2009

While Jay Cutler will get most of the attention tonight, we might learn more about the Bears defense than we will about their quarterback. And really, how the defense performs from here on out may be the key to the season.

With what we’ve seen so far in camp, there definitely are some major concerns. The first is the condition of Tommie Harris’ knee. Isreal Idonije is scheduled to start for Harris at the under tackle position, and Harris is expected to sit this one out.

Also at the defensive tackle position, Marcus Harrison has to show he is in shape after reporting to camp overweight and being forced to sit out the first four days of practice. Harrison is trying to stave off challenges from Dusty Dvoracek and Anthony Adams.

Mark Anderson has had an impressive camp, but he’ll have to show something in a game if he is going to take playing time away from Adewale Ogunleye and/or Alex Brown at defensive end.

Keep an eye on the weakside linebacker position, where newcomer Pisa Tinoisamoa is trying to establish himself and beat out Nick Roach and Jamar Williams.

At safety, a few players will have an opportunity to make themselves noticed in the absence of Danieal Manning, who has a hamstring injury. Either Josh Bullocks, Craig Steltz or Al Afalava should come out of this game with some momentum.

And finally, the cornerbacks who are on the field in place of Charles Tillman and Zack Bowman will have a chance to show they are more than backups. So keep an eye on Trumaine McBride, Corey Graham, D.J. Moore and Woodny Turenne.

July 31, 2009

It was somewhat surprising to hear about Marcus Harrison, the Bears' second-year defensive tackle, having to sit out the start of training camp while battling weight issues. Harrison is up to 323 pounds and has to get down to 309. He failed to pass his physical upon arriving at camp Thursday.

Harrison was projected to possibly start next to Tommie Harris at nose tackle, and that could be in the plans regardless. He is the most talented of the nose tackle group, a player capable of attacking the double team with force while providing a pass rush up the middle. But with Harrison out, returning starter Anthony Adams has a chance to solidify his standing. And Dvoracek, who has battled injuries during his first three seasons, can prove his deserve a spot on the 53-man roster.

"Double A (Adams) and Dusty, those guys are good and I know they work their butts off,'' Harrison said. "With me being behind a little bit ... I still think I still have showed the coaches that I can play.''

Adams will start with the first-team defense today. Harrison is quite sure when he'll be back on the field, but he promised not to let his teammate down. He attributed the weight gain to some serious personal issues in his life. In speaking with him Thursday evening, there was no reason not to believe what Harrison was saying.

But he also is prepared to absorb the weight jokes and criticism.

"One of my friends called me recently and told me some reporter was going off on me on the radio,'' Harrison said. "They don't know what's going on with me and my family. I know there's going to be judgment. There's always judgment. I just use that as motivation.''